Members of the Bahá’í community of the Royal Borough celebrated two special Holy Days at the weekend: the Anniversary of the Birth of the Báb, which started this year at sunset on Friday evening, and the Anniversary of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh, which started at sunset on Saturday evening.
In the middle of the 19th century a young merchant announced that He was the bearer of a message destined to transform the life of humanity. At a time when His country, Iran, was undergoing widespread moral breakdown, His message aroused excitement and hope among all classes, rapidly attracting thousands of followers. He took the name “The Báb”, meaning “the Gate” in Arabic.
With His call for spiritual and moral reformation, and His attention to improving the position of women and the lot of the poor, the Báb’s prescription for spiritual renewal was revolutionary. At the same time, He founded a distinct, independent religion of His own, inspiring His followers to transform their lives and carry out great acts of heroism.
The Báb announced that humanity stood at the threshold of a new era. His mission, which was to last only six years, was to prepare the way for the coming of a Manifestation of God Who would usher in the age of peace and justice promised in all the world’s religions: Bahá’u’lláh.
In a congratulatory letter to mark the Twin Holy Days, the Mayor of the Royal Borough, Councillor Simon Bond, conveyed his best wishes to the Bahá’í community.
Say: This is the Dawn whereat the Most Great Tree was planted and bore its exalted and peerless fruits. By the righteousness of God! Within each fruit of this Tree there repose the seeds of a myriad melodies… All glory be to this Dawn, through which the divine Luminaries have shone forth above the horizon of sanctity by the leave of God, the Almighty, the Inaccessible, the Most High!
Bahá’u’lláh
Baha'i Community of Maidenhead 